The poor treatment of disabled football supporters is
nothing new (http://theadventuresofwheelchairboy.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/level-playing-field.html)
and while the BBC done well to shine
a spotlight on the matter, I feel a fan needs to reiterate the point so that
actual changes can happen. That’s why I have decided to keep a diary of all my
experiences at various grounds during the 2014/15 season. I’ll keep all my
evidence and then send one massive letter in May listing the concerns to all
the relevant heads to do with the National Game. Hopefully, they will ashamed
of the blatant discrimination and act.
My first away day was up in Liverpool on Saturday and
already I have a couple of issues to raise. Just like last year, the game was
televised on Sky Sports and once
again, the pitch side cameraman got in my way. Everton have tried to resolve
the problem by taking out the advertising hoardings but it doesn’t really help.
He did step back out of the way when there was little action but rushed out
everytime a team attacked the goal nearest me. I ended up missing three out of
the four goals. I knew what happened due to the reactions but it was far from
ideal.
I just don’t get why it clearly doesn’t matter if disabled
fans get blocked off. People would argue able-bodied supporters have cameramen
in their way but luckily they can stand and move to the left or right. I can’t.
The stewards go crazy if I move an inch. Also, why have mixed disabled fans?
You wouldn’t put an able-bodied Everton supporter in the Arsenal section so why
is it acceptable for a wheelchair user. It antagonises us when they score but
must have been awful when we did. Mind you, it’s not as bad as the segregation
at Villa Park or Anfield.
Anyway, I took some photos and will be adding them to my
collection. I hope to add to my dossier in the coming weeks and months if I get
some away tickets. The next one is Leicester City but there are only a measly
six wheelchair spaces so I was unsuccessful with my application. I find that a
disgraceful ratio as they think there is only six disabled fans to every 3000
normal supporters. I’m in no way saying it should be 50:50 or even 90:10. I
just feel there should be at least 20. Wheelchair aside, we want to follow our
team too.
Bye for now!
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